Illinois State Fair
 

Nothing says "end-of-summer" quite like buttered corn on the cob, prized pigs and very large squash. The ILLINOIS STATE FAIR continues through Aug. 22 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, just three hours from home. Where else could you catch both the monster truck show and Illinois Symphony Orchestra? Just $3 Friday and Saturday; $2 on Sunday. (Kids 12 and under are free.) Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield, 217-782-6661,
http://www.state.il.us/fair